1 Kings 12:18

“Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute, etc.] There was one of this name in this office in the time of David, (<102024>2 Samuel 20:24), this is the same with Adoniram, as Jarchi thinks, (see <110406>1 Kings 4:6), him he sent either to collect the tribute of the Ephraimites, to show his authority; or rather to call the people back to have some further discourse with them, and endeavour to soften things, and bring them to a compliance, so Josephus f311; but it was too late, and he employed a very improper person; the heavy taxes were their complaint, and a tax gatherer, and especially one that was at the head of the tribute, must be of all men the most disagreeable to them;…”

“Adoram has been identified with Adoniram (marginal references), and even with the Adoram of 2 Samuel 20:24. But it is highly improbable that the same person was chief superintendent of the forced labors during the whole of Solomon’s long reign, and also during a part of David’s and Rehoboam’s. We may therefore conclude that the three names mark three distinct persons, perhaps of the same family, who were respectively contemporary with the three kings. Adoram was chosen, as best acquainted with the hardships whereof the rebels complained, to arrange some alleviation of their burthens. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Sent Adoram - Probably to pursue the counsel which he had resolved upon, to execute his office, and exact their tribute with rigour and violence, if need were. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 12:19”

“12:18 Adoniram served under both David (2 Sam 20:24) and Solomon (1 Kgs 4:6; 5:13-14). His death by stoning showed the folly of Rehoboam’s decision to send the unpopular supervisor of the labor force to restore order in the north.”

“Adoram: Kg1 4:6, Kg1 5:14, Adoniram, Sa2 20:24; Ch2 10:18, Hadoram all Israel: Exo 17:4; Num 14:10; Ch2 24:21; Act 5:26, Act 7:57, Act 7:58 made speed: Heb. strengthened himself flee to Jerusalem: Kg1 20:18-20; Pro 28:1, Pro 28:2; Amo 2:16 3 Kings (1 Kings) 12:19”